[Congressional Record Volume 163, Number 205 (Friday, December 15, 2017)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1714]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     IN RECOGNITION OF LORI S. LIU

                                 ______
                                 

                           HON. JACKIE SPEIER

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                       Friday, December 15, 2017

  Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Lori Liu who is leaving 
public service after four years on the Brisbane City Council, the last 
year as Mayor of this storied town near San Francisco Bay. Lori's deep 
commitment to public service is evident from her accomplishments and 
contributions to her community. She is a champion of education, 
children, the arts, recreation, economic development and the 
environment.
  Lori was first elected to the council in 2013. While on the council, 
she served on, or as representative to, a number of organizations, 
including the Association of Bay Area Governments, the Peninsula Clean 
Energy Board of Directors, the County Library JPA, the council's 
Economic Development Subcommittee, the Health and Safety Subcommittee, 
the League of California Cities, the liaison to the Parks and 
Recreation Commission, the Airport Community Roundtable, the Planning 
Commission, the liaison to the Open Space and Ecology Committee, the 
Community Choice Energy Advisory Committee and many others. You may 
justifiably surmise from this lengthy list that Lori is well-versed in 
a variety of issues affecting the residents of Brisbane and the region.
  Her leadership is notable as she tackled one of the most longstanding 
opportunities and challenges in the community: the Baylands Project. 
Lori was indefatigable as she conducted council meetings and listened 
closely to the community through hours of discussions involving 
possible offices, open space, housing, environmental cleanup and 
restoration, and the overall concept of a sustainable community. She 
carefully weighed the impacts of this project on Brisbane and our 
region.
  She was instrumental in laying the groundwork to build a new library 
which will be constructed starting next year. Libraries are community 
spaces that connect generations and nurture life-long learning. The 
Brisbane Library will include a Maker's Space to spark the creativity 
of the next generation of innovators, spaces for children and teens, a 
quiet study area, an outdoor garden, a community center, and the first 
public arts project triggered by a city ordinance.
  Lori has a long track record of working on environmental issues. In 
fact, when she moved to Brisbane in 2004, her very first volunteer 
activity was to attend an Earth Day clean up event. While on the 
council, she helped to secure a grant to renovate Crocker Park Trail. 
This funding will make the trail more usable for bicyclists, joggers 
and parents with strollers. It will also establish a safe pedestrian 
and bike-friendly connection between residential development at the 
Ridge and Lipman Middle School. Due in part to Lori's outstanding work, 
Brisbane received the Platinum level Spotlight Award from the Institute 
for Local Government for environmental leadership and best practices. 
With her support, the city signed up to have all municipal electric 
accounts serviced by 100 percent renewable energy.
  Lori understands that a high quality of life for residents depends on 
a healthy balance of physical and financial security, education, 
functioning infrastructure, clean air and clean water, and recreation 
and entertainment. Life without music and fun would not be complete, so 
Lori supported the launch of two spectacular, family-friendly community 
events, the Marina Kite Festival and the Star City Music Festival. The 
kite festival celebrated its first anniversary this June and the music 
festival will have its premier in July next year.
  Lori holds a B.A. from Tufts University and a J.D. from Northwestern 
University School of Law. She and her husband Raymond Liu live in 
Brisbane with their two young children, Samantha and Noah.
  Mr. Speaker, I ask the House of Representatives to rise with me to 
honor Lori Liu for her exemplary service on the Brisbane City Council. 
Her public service made Brisbane a better place to live, work and 
visit. I personally regret that she is leaving office and hope she will 
return to offer Brisbane her skills and talents in addressing the 
issues facing her beloved city. I have no doubt that Lori will continue 
to make enormous contributions to any effort she undertakes.

                          ____________________